Recent changes to the European Union’s visa and travel authorization systems have brought new fees, updated procedures, and important timelines that affect millions of travelers worldwide. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, when the changes take effect, and what actions travelers and stakeholders need to take. It also covers the implications for anyone with pending applications or planning future trips to the Schengen area.
Summary of Key Changes
- The Schengen visa fee for short-term stays increased by 12% in June 2024, now set at €90 for adults.
- The ETIAS travel authorization fee will triple from €7 to €20 when the system launches in late 2026.
- The Entry/Exit System (EES), a new electronic border control system, will begin operating in October 2025.
- No tripling of The Schengen visa fee is planned or in effect as of July 21, 2025.
Let’s break down each change, who it affects, and what steps travelers need to take.
Schengen Visa Fee: What Changed and Who Is Affected
The Schengen visa, also known as the Type C visa, allows short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in the Schengen area for tourism, business, or family visits. The Schengen visa fee is a mandatory payment for most applicants.
New Fee Structure (Effective June 11, 2024):
- Adults: €90 (previously €80)
- Children aged 6 to under 12: €45 (previously €40)
- Children under 6: Free
This change represents a 12% increase for adults and children aged 6 to under 12. The European Commission explained that the increase is due to inflation and higher administrative costs. The last fee increase was in 2020, when the adult fee rose from €60 to €80.
Who Is Affected:
- Travelers from non-EU countries who require a Schengen visa for short stays, including citizens of China, India, Türkiye, Morocco, Russia, and many other countries.
- Children aged 6 to under 12 pay a reduced fee, while children under 6 remain exempt.
- Visa-exempt travelers (such as those from the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, and Japan) are not affected by the Schengen visa fee but will be impacted by ETIAS in the future.
What Has Not Changed:
- The Schengen visa fee has not tripled. The increase is modest compared to rumors or misreports.
- There are no new changes to the types of documents required or the application process as of July 2025.
Application Volume and Refusal Rates:
- In 2024, 11.7 million short-stay visa applications were submitted, a 13.6% increase from 2023.
- 9.7 million visas were granted, with a global refusal rate of 14.8%.
- The top countries applying for Schengen visas remain China, Türkiye, India, Morocco, and Russia.
Required Actions for Applicants:
- Pay the new fee when submitting a Schengen visa application after June 11, 2024.
- Check the latest requirements and forms on the European Commission’s official Schengen visa page.
- Budget for the higher fee if planning to apply for a visa in the coming months.
ETIAS Travel Authorization Fee: What’s Changing and When
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new electronic system for travelers who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area. ETIAS is not a visa; it is a travel authorization similar to the ESTA system used by the United States 🇺🇸.
New ETIAS Fee (Announced July 17, 2025):
- The ETIAS travel authorization fee will increase from €7 to €20.
- This is a tripling of the ETIAS fee, but it is still much lower than the Schengen visa fee.
- The fee increase is meant to cover rising administrative and technology costs.
ETIAS Implementation Timeline:
- ETIAS is not yet operational.
- The system is scheduled to launch in late 2026, several months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) begins in October 2025.
- The European Union will announce the exact ETIAS start date several months in advance.
Who Needs ETIAS:
- Citizens of about 60 visa-exempt countries (including the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, Japan, and others) will need ETIAS for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
- ETIAS is valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Application Process:
- Online-only application: Travelers will need a valid passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the €20 fee.
- No biometric data is collected for ETIAS.
- Most applications are processed quickly, often within minutes.
Required Actions for Travelers:
- No immediate action is needed in 2025. ETIAS will only be required starting in late 2026.
- Monitor official announcements for the exact ETIAS launch date.
- Prepare to apply online and pay the new €20 fee once ETIAS becomes mandatory.
Entry/Exit System (EES): New Border Control Procedures
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic system that will record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals traveling to and from the Schengen area. EES will replace manual passport stamping with digital records.
EES Launch Timeline:
- Scheduled to begin in October 2025.
- The rollout will take place over six months, with full implementation expected by early 2026.
Who Is Affected:
- All non-EU travelers, including citizens of the United Kingdom, United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, and other countries, unless they have a specific residence status in an EU country.
- Visa holders and visa-exempt travelers will both be subject to EES checks.
What Data Is Collected:
- Passport details
- Fingerprints
- Facial image
Implications for Travelers:
- Faster and more secure border checks: EES aims to reduce wait times and improve security.
- No more manual passport stamps: All entries and exits will be recorded electronically.
- Travelers should expect new procedures at border crossings, including fingerprint and facial scans.
Required Actions:
- Be prepared for new border procedures starting in October 2025.
- Follow instructions from border officials and allow extra time for processing during the initial rollout phase.
Background and Historical Context
Schengen Visa Fee History:
- 2020: Fee increased from €60 to €80 for adults.
- 2024: Fee increased to €90 for adults.
- Fee reviews typically occur every three years, based on inflation and administrative costs.
ETIAS Fee History:
- Originally set at €7.
- Increased to €20 as of July 2025, before the system’s official launch.
Digitalization Efforts:
- The European Union is working on a unified online visa application platform for Schengen visas, set to begin rollout in 2026.
- The transition to the new digital system will continue until 2031, making it easier for applicants to submit documents and track their applications online.
Policy Implications and Stakeholder Perspectives
For Travelers:
- Schengen visa applicants now pay a slightly higher fee, but the increase is not dramatic.
- Visa-exempt travelers (such as Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians, and Japanese) will soon need to pay the higher ETIAS fee, but this is still less than the Schengen visa fee and covers multiple trips over three years.
- No immediate changes for Americans or other visa-exempt nationals in 2025; ETIAS will only be required from late 2026.
For Consulates and Border Authorities:
- The increased fees will help fund the shift to digital systems, improved border security, and new IT infrastructure (EES and ETIAS).
- Consulates are preparing for a more streamlined, digital visa process, which should reduce paperwork and speed up decision times.
For Tourism and Business:
- The fee increases are not expected to stop most travelers, but they may be more difficult for frequent travelers from lower-income countries.
- The move to digital applications and multiple-entry visas is expected to make travel more convenient in the long run.
For Pending Applications:
- Applications submitted before June 11, 2024: The old Schengen visa fee applies.
- Applications submitted on or after June 11, 2024: The new fee of €90 for adults applies.
- No changes to ETIAS requirements for 2025; the system is not yet operational.
Future Outlook and Pending Changes
- No tripling of the Schengen visa fee is planned or under discussion as of July 2025. The most recent increase was 12% in June 2024.
- ETIAS fee will triple to €20 when the system launches in late 2026.
- The unified online visa platform for Schengen visas is scheduled to begin rollout in 2026, with a full transition by 2031.
- EES and ETIAS will fundamentally change border management and entry requirements for non-EU travelers starting in late 2025 and 2026.
Travelers and stakeholders should stay informed about these changes, as they will affect how people plan, apply, and pay for travel to the Schengen area in the coming years.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
For Schengen Visa Applicants:
- Check the latest fee before applying. As of June 2024, adults pay €90, children aged 6 to under 12 pay €45, and children under 6 are free.
- Gather all required documents and use the official European Commission Schengen visa page for up-to-date information.
- Plan ahead for possible processing delays, especially during peak travel seasons.
For Visa-Exempt Travelers:
- No action is needed in 2025 regarding ETIAS. The system will become mandatory in late 2026.
- Monitor official announcements for the ETIAS launch date and prepare to apply online and pay the €20 fee once required.
- Check passport validity: ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, so make sure your passport will be valid for your planned trips.
For All Non-EU Travelers:
- Be aware of new border procedures starting in October 2025 with the EES rollout.
- Allow extra time at border crossings during the initial months of EES implementation.
- Stay informed about the transition to digital visa applications, which will begin in 2026.
For Employers, Tour Operators, and Other Stakeholders:
- Update your clients and staff about the new fees and upcoming digital systems.
- Review your internal processes to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.
- Monitor official EU sources for updates on the unified visa platform and EES/ETIAS rollout.
Official Resources and Further Information
- For the most current details on Schengen visa policy, fees, and application forms, visit the European Commission Migration and Home Affairs.
- For ETIAS updates and official guidance, check the ETIAS Official Portal.
- For information on the Entry/Exit System, see eu-LISA.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect the European Union’s ongoing efforts to modernize border management, improve security, and make travel processes more efficient for both travelers and authorities.
Takeaways and Immediate Steps
- Schengen visa fee: Increased to €90 for adults as of June 2024. No tripling of the fee.
- ETIAS travel authorization fee: Will triple to €20 when the system launches in late 2026. No action needed until then.
- EES: New border control system starts in October 2025. Be ready for new procedures.
- Unified online visa platform: Coming in 2026, making applications easier and more transparent.
Travelers should always use official sources for the latest information and be prepared for these changes to ensure smooth trips to the Schengen area. By planning ahead and understanding the new requirements, travelers and stakeholders can avoid surprises and make the most of their journeys to Europe.
Learn Today
Schengen visa → A Type C visa for short stays up to 90 days within 180 days in Schengen countries.
ETIAS → European Travel Information and Authorization System; electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers.
Entry/Exit System (EES) → An electronic border control system recording entries and exits of non-EU nationals using biometrics.
Visa-exempt travelers → Citizens from countries allowed to enter Schengen without a visa but require ETIAS authorization.
Biometric data → Personal data including fingerprints and facial images used to verify traveler identity at borders.
This Article in a Nutshell
The EU updated Schengen visa and travel fees: adult visa fees rose 12% in 2024, ETIAS fees triple in 2026, and EES launches in 2025 with biometric checks.
— By VisaVerge.com
